The Westmeath Libraries podcast

Sarah and Rory chat about recent events around Westmeath Libraries, and on what's happening soon around the county.Kinnegad Library have been enjoying Spring Into Storytime events, and some great Lego sessions including a Master workshop with Maynooth Lego society. There will be more Lego events coming soon, so remember to stay tuned to our website for updates - www.westmeathculture.ieKinnegad also had some lovely arts and crafts activities, and a creative writing workshop with Lorraine Murphy.In Castlepollard Library it has also been a busy time, with lots of craft activites with children, Spring Into Storytime events, and also celebrated Irish Astronomy Week, Seachtain na Gaeilge and much much more.Coming soon our libraries will have: More Spring into Storytime events, Parent & Toddler storytimes, book clubs, Gardening & Sustainability workshops with Anna Browne, Bealtaine events, crafting and more.This month's podcast also features an interview with Rose Flynn former principal of the Kinnegad girls school, and Mags Flynn with Kinnegad Town team. They chated to Sarah about the history of Kinnegad, and especially the lovely building that today houses Kinnegad Library, and the LWETB

Sarah, Rory, and Colm chat about what's happening in Westmeath Libraries.Topics this episode include the reopening of Aidan Heavey Athlone, and their brand new sensory Cubbie. Call in and ask staff if you are interested. Remember you can see all our events on our website at https://westmeath.spydus.ie.We also chat about some events that have just happened, including leprechaun bookmarks for St. Patrick's Day in Castlepollard Library, Robotics in Kinnegad, Seachtain na Gaeilge events and much more.Upcoming events in our libraries includeSpring Into Storytime events, including competitions, story times and moreJohn Broderick programme of events in the Aidan Heavey Library, AthloneA Gathering of poems on 21st AprilCreative Writing with Lorraine Murphy on 28th MarchHidden Hearing mobile clinic on 8th AprilBuild your own Straw Rocket - 26th April, celebrating Astronomy WeekThanks for listening, and we'll see you next month

Colm, Sarah and Rory chat about another busy month in Westmeath  Libraries.From Fighting Words to visits from the Argentinian Amabassador, you never know what you'll come across in your local library. You'll find more details on all our events at www.westmeathculture.ie

Welcome to our first episode of 2026, we hope everyone had a great Christmas & New year. In today's podcast Colm, Rory,  and Sarah chat about library events, past and upcoming. As well as looking back at some library related statistics from 2025, including the most popular book in Westmeath Libraries.Some of our upcoming events include making St. Brigid's crosses out of pipecleaners, new book clubs, and the Aidan Heavey Library is planning to reopen in February. Remember you can find all our events on our website at www.westmeathculture.ie

In this episode of our podcast Colm & Rory are joined by Sarah Lindsay Swan from Kinnegad Library. Kinnegad is our newest library, opening to the public at the end of October. Sarah fills us in on all everything that's happening in Kinnegad including a snowman scavenger hunt and colouring competitions for children, and of course a Christmas story time.Colm is working in Kilbeggan Library now which reopened in November after some much needed refurbishment. Colm shares some upcoming events including their Family Time at your Library events, including a festive story time and singalong. In the New Year Kilbeggan will have some one to one sessions designed to help people with digital and financial skills. Kilbeggan is also looking at setting up a new Chess Club, if you are interested get in touch.There is loads happening in Mullingar as well, lots of festive events including Christmas storytime and colouring session.Rory talks about how they are helping people with the Birdwatch Ireland survey in Castlepollard Library, forms can be collected in all libraries. The annual Castlepollard Art exhibition is on view at the moment, right up until the Christmas break. Castlepollard is also hosting a very special reading of A Christmas Carol.Remember you can see contact details for all our libraries on our website - www.westmeathculture.ie

Colm and Rory return to chat about some revent library events, including Science Week in Athlone, the Mad Professor in Castlepollard. We also have a look ahead to what's on right now, as well as a look ahead to some December events.Remember, you can see all of our events on westmeath.spydus.ie

Colm and Rory chat about recent events in the library, and Colm talks to Caroline about some ghost stories and folklore from Dublin and Westmeath.

September means school is back in session and in this episode of our podcast Colm and Rory chat about all the library can offer students. From study spaces, to books, and how to sign up for My Open Library.They also chat about National Public Libraries Open Day, Culture Night, SDG Week, school visits, and Book Clubs.Have a listen, and learn about all that your local library can offer you. Remember, the Westmeath Libraries is free to join, we don't charge late fees, we offer access to millions of items across Ireland. There is free WiFi, Online Resources, and much much more. You can join today at your local library, or sign up online

This episode features an interview with Westmeath County Council STEM Engagement officer Kelley Keogh, talking about robots, coding and AI.Colm and Rory also catch-up on recent news and events from Summer Stars to Heritage Week.We also take a look at some Culture Night events in the library, as well as how you can get help your device by chatting to library staff, pick p a My Little Library Bag for anyone starting primary school this year.Remember, all our events are listed on our website at https://westmeath.spydus.ie/

Summer Stars is ongoing in all our libraries, in this episode Colm & Rory chat about some of the events that have been happening. They'll also be talking about Heritage Week coming soon, and all that's planned for August.Read more aboutSummer StarsHeritage WeekAll our eventsSearch for a bookFind your local libraryLeave us feedback

Join Colm and Rory as they chat about all things libraries. This month's highlight is our Summer Stars programme, you can find all our events at www.westmeathculture.ie

In this episode Colm & Rory talk about events in the libraries including Bealtaine, Summer Stars, and moreYou'll find all our events at https://westmeath.spydus.ie/ and all our library news on our website at https://westmeathculture.ie/library/Bealtaine eventsLittle Library Book BagsMeditation sessions in the libraryBiodiversity week exhibition in MullingarCoffee and OrigamiArts & Crafts supply swap

Our podcast host Caroline has moved to a new library in Westmeath, and so has passed on the podcast to two new hosts, Colm & Rory. This is their first episode and they chat about what's happening libraries around Westmeath. - Mullingar Library announced as Library of the Year for Island of Ireland- Gardening workshops with Anna Browne of Big Sky Flowers- Spring Into Storytime - lots of events happening in all our libraries- Mending morning ideas - get in touch with your ideas to [email protected] Libraries events | Subscribe to our WhatsApp 

In this month's podcast we celebrate Ireland Reads, our national celebration of reading in Ireland. Throughout February and especially on Ireland Reads Day, February 22nd, we’re calling on people across Ireland to get lost in a good book. It doesn’t matter what you read, where you read or how well you read, as long as you read.Events in Westmeath for Ireland ReadsCaroline talks to Eithne Shortall - search the library for books by Eithne ShortallManus chats to Caroline about the Science Fiction Book Club - next meeting is 13th March in AthloneSmith tells us all about his latest read "Boot" by Shane Hegarty - search the library for a copy

Caroline talks to Michelle Ruddy from Athlone Library about Family Time At Your Library, and Finola Colgan from Mental Health Ireland about our "Well Westmeath" programme.We also get to hear some wonderful singing from Caoimhe from Athlone Library ahead of their Christmas Children's KaraokeRemember to stay tuned to our website & social media for all the news from Westmeath Libraries

In this episode of the Westmeath Libraries Podcast Caroline talks with Dr. Emer O'Neill, Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at TUS Athlone. They talk about setting up a fish farm on a bog, and the importance of the bio economy.Other events mentioned in the podcast include:A Swift Evening14 Nov 2024 - 6:00 PM to 7:30 PMWestmeath MullingarSing Up for Science14 Nov 2024 - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMWestmeath AthloneWomen and Girls and ADHD16 Nov 2024 - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PMWestmeath AthloneMenopause and Perimenopause21 Nov 2024 - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMWestmeath Athlone28 Nov 2024 - 6:30 PM to 7:30 PMWestmeath Mullingar[Booked out]For details on all of our events visit www.westmeathculture.ie and select library events

Caroline chats to Aidan Courtney and to Niall de Búrca about Childrens Book Festival.Aidan is a cartoonist, writer + part-time librarian in Clare. Uou can find Aidan on Twitter Niall is a scéalaí; a traditional storyteller from the west of Ireland. https://storyteller.ie/ Find out more about Children's Book Festival in IrelandFind out what events are happening in Westmeath libraries

Caroline chats to Colm from Mullingar Library about The Waking of Willie Ryan by John Broderick. This is Athlone's One Town One Book read as we celebrate the 100 years since the birth of John Broderick. They also discuss Sustainable Development Goals and libraries.Request The Waking of Willie Ryan from your libraryDownload the ebook of The Waking of Willie Ryan Download the eAudiobook of The Waking of Willie Ryan, read by Naoise Dunbar.Find out more about the John Broderick Centenary Events in Westmeath Libraries to mark Ireland's Sustainable Development Goals week include An introduction to growing your own food in Moate Library, a Food Waste workshop in Castlepollard Library, and Recycled Craft for Kids workshop in Athlone. For all events please see our events page online. Find out more about the services  on offer from your library at our website: www.westmeathculture.ie/library

In this episode Caroline chats to Seamus O'Brien, editor of Westmeath: History and Society – interdisciplinary essays on the history of an Irish county about his latest project on the vernacular buildings of Westmeath.Anne and Lorna from the Aidan Heavey Library discuss some of the ways they are celebrating Heritage Week, which happens this August.Find a copy of Westmeath: History and Society in your local libraryAn example of a vernacular cottage in Westmeath, submitted to our Photography with Fresh Eyes project.Heritage Week 2024Willow weaving workshop in AthloneMyths & Legends Monster DoodleIrish Heritage Lego freeplayAnd remember there are always new events being added, so keep up to date with the library by visiting our www.westmeathculture.ie or check out our events page

Celebrate Summer with Westmeath Libraries this JulySummer Stars is well underway for all the children out there, and we also have a host of events for adults as wellSummer StarsBorrowBox Join the libraryLibrary eventsRead the newsletter on Substack

All the news and events from Westmeath libraries, including our Library of Sanctuary award, Summer Stars, and exciting changes coming to Kilbeggan Library.Find out about our Cruinniu na nÓg events hereBrowse all of our upcoming events here Find contact details of your local library here 

May marks Bealtaine in the old Irish calendar, so Caroline shares a few traditional meanings and practices. As well as chatting about our upcoming news and events.You can visit our website at www.westmeathculture.ie or read our newsletter here

From Spring Into Storytime to local history podcasts, there is so much happening in our libraries this April.

This month we are celebrating International Women's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Astronomy Week Ireland, and more. Listen for all our upcoming events

News and Events from Westmeath Libraries for February 2024, featuring Ireland Reads, Book Clubs, Warhammer, Teen Advisory Board and much much more. Remember, all the details for these events can be found on our events page on www.westmeathculture.ie or sign up for our monthly newsletter - https://westmeathlibraries.substack.com/p/february-2024

Happy New Year everyone. Here is a round up of our news and events for January 2024.

Hello and welcome to Westmeath Libraries' podcast. My name is Caroline Barry. Can you believe we're in the month of December, December 2023? So we're leading up to Christmas. And naturally here in Westmeath Libraries we have lots planned for younger people, toddlers and tots and primary school children and some older children as well. So stay tuned and I'll go through the events with you.

In this week's episode Caroline chats to Manus about his upcoming talk on the Night of the Big Wind, and to Catherine about Books for babies, as well as all our upcoming events.Find out more in our newsletter, or on our website www.westmeathculture.ie

Welcome to the October episode of our podcast, where our host Caroline from Kilbeggan Library has two interviews for you. We'll also take a look at some upcoming events happening in Westmeath Libraries.Remember, you can find all our news and events on our website: www.westmeathculture.ie

Welcome to this month's News & Events podcast from Westmeath Libraries. Our new host is Caroline Barry, and she will be talking about some upcoming events as well as chatting to participants of past events.

What's happening in Westmeath Libraries this August - featuring some Heritage Week events, Summer Stars, and much more.Plus a chat with Caroline from Kilbeggan LibraryTo see all our events go to www.westmeathculture.ie Subscribe to our newsletter at https://westmeathculture.ie/subscribe-to-our-monthly-newsletter/

In this month's podcast Jack talks about our Summer Stars events, including Dog's Trust, Mudbogs, and Vroom-Town. Have a listen and learn what's happening in your local library

0:00 - Welcome0:52 - Interview with photographer John McCauley. John discusses his and Rodney Clery's recent Murmurations exhibition in Mullingar Library. Link to the charity is https://www.tanzanianheavenlyhomes.com/8:50 - My Little Library Book Bags are back9:15 - Castlepollard Roleplaying9:29 - Jill Parkinson exhibition in Athlone An improbability of puffins and other collectives"9:42 - Knitting & Crochet groups9:57 - Summer Stars are back10:10 - Cruinniú na nÓg10:25 - Group meetings in the library

Check out our website for full details of all our events - www.westmeathculture.ieThis month we are joined by Westmeath Heritage Officer Melanie McQuaid to chat about an upcoming exhibition in Mullingar Library, Murmurations by John McCauley and Rodney Cleary as we celebrate Biodiversity Week.Westmeath Libraries are celebrating Europe Day, and marking the anniversary of Ireland joining the EC. May is also Bealtaine, so Castlepollard Library are celebrating with an arts & crafts exhibitionOther events this month includeMenopause & Perimenopause on 23rd May in Mullingar LibraryDigital Heritage workshop on 20th May in Athlone LibraryAdvice on your device is available in all libraries if you need help with technologyand see our Event Page for more.

News and Events from Westmeath Libraries.For full details see our website - www.westmeathculture.ie or our online catalogue. You can also email us at [email protected] have a guest host this month, Dearbhla Sheridan, but we hope that Jack will be back with us for May's episode.This month we cover: Spring Into StorytimeIT training for those aged 60 and above. Contact: [email protected] crafternoon in AthloneBaby and Toddler groups - search our events for full detailsCrafting groups - search our events page for more detailsInterested in using one of our Free meeting spaces - contact [email protected] or ask on your next visitToys & Games at the libraryOnline Resources such as ebook, eAudiobooks, digital newspapers, magazines, and online learningBook Clubs - ask in your local library for details, or join us on Facebook for Westmeath Libraries Online Book ClubFind us onlineTwitter - https://twitter.com/whcclibraryFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/WestmeathLibraries/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/westmeathlibraries/TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@westmeathculture

0:00 - Intro1:15 - Seachtain na Gaeilge - for a full list of library events click here1:36 - Roy Lyndsay talk on The Character of Ireland - book here for Athlone or here for Mullingar2:00 - EU50 commemorating Ireland's 50 years of membership in the European Union exhibition moves to Athlone2:25 - Advice on your device available in all libraries2:50 - Games in the library3:00 - Book clubs - find them in your local library or why not start up your own?3:16 - Baby & Toddler groups and Storytimes3:40 - New service now available in Athlone & Mullingar libraries... 3D PrintingJack mentions two links here: thingiverse and tinkercad. And the form is available in the library, or you can find it on our website www.westmeathculture.ie.View the full newsletter or visit our website: www.westmeathculture.ie to stay up to date with everything that is happening in your local library

All the news and events from Westmeath Libraries this month.0:45 - Need some help with your device? Drop into your local library and talk to a member of staff. We are always happy to help1:15 - Story times this month1:40 - Entertainment at your library, from book clubs to games nights, Valentine's events and more2:50 - Athlone Social Club run by the Alzheimer's Group 3:20 - Roy Lindsay's talk on The Character of Ireland in Mullingar Library3:40 - Reading Inspiration3:55 - Squeeze in a Read this February 25th with Ireland Reads4:25 - My Open Library in Westmeath Libraries - using the library from 8am to 10pm every day of the week.Visit our website at www.westmeathculture.ie Athlone LibraryTel : 090 6442157Castlepollard LibraryTel : 044 9332199Kilbeggan libraryTel : 057 9333148Moate LibraryTel : 090 6481888Mullingar LibraryTel : 044 9332161Library HeadquartersTel : 044 9332162

0:55 - Baby and toddler groups & story times1:20 - Advice on your device & help on online resources and technology1:40 - Book clubs, games, and group meetings2:10 - Knitting, Crochet and Crafting groups2:30 - How the library works: Your membership card, when you need it and when you don't. Non-members are always welcome to visit, but remember it is free to join. - watch some How-To videos on our website.6:50 - Reading Inspiration for 2023 - read more here.Full details on events see our website - www.westmeathculture.ie

December means it is Family Time At Your Library, and we have a host of events designed for all the family. We're also delighted to welcome author Lorraine Murphy along for a special feature. Lorraine is a local author living in Westmeath.0:45 Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Mudbugs1:05 Christmas nibbles with Fiona Egan1:20 Christmas crafting1:40 Festive story times and movies2:05 The Refill Mill - learn how to make your Christmas more sustainable2:20 Lorraine Murphy - our special guest this month9:10 Bridge the Gap online talk on helping children with dyslexia and other literacy needs9:20 My Open Library launches in Mullingar9:45 Spotlight on Family Time At Your Library

1:00 - C-Pens & DCode Dyslexia talks1:42 - Bridge in Kilbeggan Library1:53 - Do you have questions about your tech? or library online resources2:11 - Deadly Moons & Magical Stars2:39 - Storytimes in your library2:50 - Bookclubs3:05 - Talk for new mothers in Castlepollard3:11 - Author panel in Mullingar3:30 - Knitting & Crochet groups3:45 - Winter arrangement workshops4:15 - Book Launch with Jimmy O'Connell in Mullingar4:33 - Irish Sign Language4:45 - Spotlight on Computers & WiFi access in your local libraryFind out more about all this news & events at www.westmeathculture.ie

Find out what's happening in Westmeath Libraries this month0:52 - Interested in joining a book club? Or starting your own?1:20 - My Open Libraries in Westmeath1:44 - Feature interview with Deirdre Broderick, Executive Librarian in Mullingar Library. Jack & Deirdre talk about some upcoming workshops and storytimes in the library, including Irish Sign Language sessions, LOTE picture books in a variety of languages, Sensory storytimes, workshops for parents & teachers of Dyslexics and more6:00 - V.R. Technology is coming to Westmeath Libraries6:45 - Why not borrow a toy or a game from your local library7:15 - Upcoming story times7:30 - Craft groups meeting in the library7:45 - Teachers, are you interested in bringing your class to visit the library?8:08 - Spotlight on Horror! Happy Hallowe'enFind out more about all this news & events at www.westmeathculture.ie